Welcome to the teaching portfolio of Gordon Van Owen.

I began my master's studies at the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications in the fall of 2006. My current research areas focus on how urbanization trends impact print and online media. I am specifically interested in how growth trends influence local media. I am also a member of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

I graduated from the University of Florida in the spring of 2006, with a bachelor of arts degree in English, a bachelor of science in journalism, and a minor in modern British history, beginning with Queen Victoria's reign through the 21st century.

As an undergraduate, I was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity, Florida Blue Key, Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society and the Society of Professional Journalists. I also served as the chair of the Journalism and Communications Ambassador's Pathfinder Mentoring Program. I was also the vice president of JCA during the 2005-2006 school year. That same year, I served as president of the Journalism and Communications College Council, the college's umbrella organization that provides funding to the other student organizations in the college.

During my college career I have always tried to prepare myself for life after college by maintaining professional internships and other job opportunities. I started my professional career as the sports section editor of UF's Tower yearbook. As a sophomore I was editor in chief of the Tower. I have also worked as a booker reviewer and freelance writer for The Independent Florida Alligator, news reporter and features wrtier for The High Springs Herald, contributing writer for the Communigator and as a features writer/intern for The Gainesville Sun. Currently, I am the freelance editor for The Alligator.